BBC governors deem rules broken over Arafat

[Teddy Bear]

Arafat report 'broke BBC rules'

Yasser Arafat died at a French hospital last year
The BBC governors have upheld part of a complaint against a journalist who said she "started to cry" as a dying Yasser Arafat left the West Bank in 2004.
Her comments "breached the requirements of due impartiality", they ruled.

Barbara Plett was initially cleared by the head of editorial complaints over the From Our Own Correspondent report on Radio 4 but a listener appealed.

The ruling related to the description of a scene when the Palestinian leader was taken by helicopter to Paris.

"When the helicopter carrying the frail old man rose from his ruined compound, I started to cry," she said in the 30 October 2004 broadcast.

Yasser Arafat died on 11 November 2004 at a French military hospital.

'Tearful eulogy'

Ms Plett's piece led to hundreds of complaints from listeners.

The BBC Governors' Programme Complaints Committee upheld part of the appeal.

The committee rejected the assertion by the person who appealed that the report was a "tearful eulogy" and a "flagrant violation" of the guidelines.

It said Ms Plett's report was balanced by references to Mr Arafat's "obvious failings".

But the governors concluded that the reference to crying did breach the guidelines on due impartiality.

The BBC's director of news, Helen Boaden has apologised for what she described was an "editorial misjudgement".

She said it appeared Plett "unintentionally gave the impression of over-identifying with Yasser Arafat and his cause".

The governors said they approved of the "rapid and comprehensive way" in which Ms Boaden had apologised to those who were offended.

Fine to hear them finally owning up to something so obviously blatant, but I wonder why they bury this piece in their 'Entertainment' section. Maybe they're hoping no self respecting militant Muslim will notice it there.

[Teddy Bear]

Well if they want Arafat related stories as 'entertainment', here it is:

[steevo]

My opinion is even tho it is a display of bias they're willing to acknowledge, well half way, its because it can be percieved as an emotional reaction. In other words maybe folks can understand. So the Beeb have an example, almost made superficial as a result of their explanation, to prove they're conscientious to better control feelings at certain times.

What you've stated for the 'independent' panel are examples going far beyond being explained away as momentary reaction. They clearly indicate substantial institutional ill-will and agenda and I cannot imagine they will seriously be addressed, let alone public acknowledgment. Its ingrained in their purpose and I have no hope. Its like hoping the majority of our Democrats are in it for the good of our country instead of themselves, and power.

[Teddy Bear]

That's a great summation steevo. I must admit it hadn't occurred to me, but now that you mention it I think you're right. They just show 'they're human' despite 'trying' to be impartial. They even compliment themselves on the way they've come 'clean' - it's enough to make anyone sick.